by Alabama is facing a growing bed bug crisis in 2025, with several of its cities ranking among the most infested in the United States. As infestations surge across the state, public health agencies, pest control companies, and residents are working urgently to contain the spread. The cities most affected—Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Dothan, and Huntsville—are experiencing persistent and widespread outbreaks that reflect larger statewide and national trends.
Birmingham: Leading the State in Infestations
Birmingham has become Alabama’s most bed bug–infested city, regularly landing in the top third of national infestation rankings. The city’s dense population, concentration of multifamily housing, and role as a transportation hub make it particularly vulnerable.
Pest control companies report that service calls for bed bug treatments have steadily increased over the past two years, with both apartments and single-family homes affected. Outbreaks have been especially difficult to manage in high-rise buildings and older residential properties.
Mobile: A Port City Under Pressure
Mobile has also emerged as a major hotspot, appearing in the top 50 nationally for bed bug infestations. Its status as a key port and commercial center contributes to the problem, as bed bugs are easily transported via luggage, shipped goods, and public transportation.
Apartment complexes and hotels in Mobile are stepping up monitoring efforts, conducting routine inspections, and implementing proactive control measures, but outbreaks remain a significant concern. City officials continue to urge businesses and residents to report early signs of infestations and seek professional treatment.
Montgomery: State Capital Faces Persistent Outbreaks
Montgomery, while lower on national rankings than Birmingham and Mobile, is still facing significant bed bug issues. Pest control providers have noted a steady rise in both the number and intensity of infestations. Outbreaks are frequently reported in densely populated neighborhoods and temporary housing, where frequent turnover makes containment difficult.
Bed bugs’ resistance to over-the-counter insecticides adds to the challenge, often requiring costly heat or chemical treatments by trained professionals.
Dothan: Small City, Big Challenge
Dothan may be smaller in size, but it has not escaped the reach of the bed bug resurgence. Residents frequently report infestations that persist despite multiple rounds of treatment. Factors such as high renter turnover, job-related travel, and shared housing arrangements contribute to the spread of bed bugs across neighborhoods.
While residents remain watchful, many express frustration over the difficulty and cost of completely eradicating infestations.
Huntsville: Rising Cases in a Growing Urban Center
Huntsville has seen a significant increase in bed bug activity in recent years. Local pest control professionals are employing advanced detection tools and whole-building heat treatments to address the most severe outbreaks. The city’s mix of new developments and older homes, along with its growing population, has complicated eradication efforts.
Like other affected cities, Huntsville is focusing on public education and early intervention to reduce long-term impacts.
Ongoing Efforts and Public Health Response
In all five cities, coordinated efforts are underway to combat the surge. These include:
- Public awareness campaigns
- Targeted inspections in high-risk buildings
- Professional heat and chemical treatments
- Recommendations for regular bed and luggage inspections
- Prompt reporting of suspected infestations
Public health experts warn that the bed bug problem is not just economic—affecting businesses, housing markets, and pest control budgets—but also social and psychological. Stigma, loss of sleep, and disruption to daily life are common consequences for those affected.
Conclusion
Alabama’s top cities—Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Dothan, and Huntsville—are on the frontlines of a statewide bed bug resurgence in 2025. Despite active efforts from city officials, pest control providers, and health agencies, the spread of these pests remains a serious and evolving challenge.
Vigilant prevention, early detection, and sustained public education are key to reducing infestations and supporting affected communities in the months ahead.
